ICC approves Illinois Power Agency Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved with modifications this week the Illinois Power Agency’s Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan, which aims to stimulate new investments in renewable energy in the state.
The plan was adopted pursuant to the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA), which requires the ICC to approve a long-term renewable resources procurement plan and increases the state’s renewable energy targets.
“The changes adopted by the Commission ensure that all Illinoisans and all regions of the state will benefit from the development of renewable energy resources, and the strengthening our clean energy economy,” Acting Commissioner Anastasia Palivos said. “The ICC would like to thank the Illinois Power Agency (IPA) and other stakeholders involved in this important and complex proceeding. We
look forward to working closely with the IPA to ensure the Plan’s successful execution and a greener Illinois.”
The plan describes how the IPA will implement programs and procurements to purchase the required amount of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). Changes adopted by the ICC are designed to ensure that projects within the boundaries of municipally-owned utilities and rural electric cooperatives in the state can participate in programs under the plan.
The plan also includes auditing procedures to ensure Illinois residents benefit from the plan, additional incentives and rewards for projects benefiting the public, adoption of a higher public interest threshold in the criteria used to assess the procurement of RECs from generation facilities in neighboring states and elimination of all spot REC procurements to increase investment in new renewable resources.
The first two procurements under the plan for utility-scale wind and brownfield solar development are anticipated to occur this summer. Solar procurements under the plan will occur following the hiring of an IPA Program Administrator. The IPA is expected to update the plan in 2019. The Commission will monitor execution and implementation of the plan.
